Once it was the personal computer which brought wonder to the classes of the school. But now the time has changed. It is now turn to install 3D printer in school. As time went on, this technology moved into the curriculums of schools worldwide. Education leaders decided that computers would be used extensively in our future, and those teaching kids the basics of this technology early on, would be of utmost importance. I’m thankful for the education I got in personal computer use, as it has driven my career, and opened up opportunities in my life. Now a couple of decades later, history is repeating itself in the form of 3D printing in US and UK.

Only within the past year or so, has 3D printing begun to arrive in elementary, middle and high schools throughout the world. Just like how my computer skills are head and shoulders above that of most individuals from my parents’ generation, due to the fact that I was taught basic computer concepts in school, one day my kids will undoubtedly have skills in 3D modeling, 3D scanning and 3D printing that I probably won’t even be able to grasp. It takes initiative though, in order to get federal, state, and local governments to work together to incorporate new, relatively unknown technology into a school’s curriculum.

One 3D printer manufacturer, some companies are attempting to start this initiative. Through a program that they refer to as “3D in Schools”, they had set out to bring 3D printing technology to every school in Portugal. Now the second step of the project is to spread this idea to other countries, so that more children have access to what could quite easily be just as revolutionary as the personal computer.

To put this initiative into gear, they have outlined a three-step solution, which is as follows:

1. Widespread provision of specific technological solutions to schools;
2. Adaptation of teaching content;
3. Presentation of advantageous commercial solutions.

At this juncture, those organizations are selecting potential partners who can help them along the way. They are looking for help from organizations within the education and technology sectors, as well as those who are suppliers of school equipment, and ask that anyone interested in helping out.